Multiple myeloma

Multiple myeloma is a blood cancer that starts in the plasma cells in the bone marrow. Bone marrow is the soft, spongy tissue found inside most bones. It helps make blood cells.

Plasma cells help your body fight infection by producing proteins called antibodies. With multiple myeloma, plasma cells grow out of control in the bone marrow and form tumors in the areas of solid bone. The growth of these bone tumors weakens the solid bones and also makes it harder for the bone marrow to make healthy blood cells and platelets

Causes of Multiple myeloma

The cause of multiple myeloma is unknown. Past treatment with radiation therapy increases the risk of this type of cancer. Multiple myeloma mainly affects older adults.

Multiple myeloma Symptoms

Multiple myeloma most commonly causes a low red blood cell count (anemia), which can lead to fatigue and shortness of breath. It can also cause low white blood cell count, which makes you more likely to get infections. Multiple myeloma can also cause low platelet count, which can lead to abnormal bleeding.

As the cancer cells grow in the bone marrow, you may have bone pain, most often in the ribs or back.

The cancer cells can weaken bones. You may develop broken bones (bone fractures) just from doing normal activities.

If cancer grows in the spine bones, pressure on the nerves may result. This can lead to numbness or weakness of the arms or legs.

Tests and Exams

Blood and urine tests to identify proteins, or antibodies (immunofixation)

Blood tests to quickly and accurately measure the specific level of certain proteins called immunoglobulins (nephelometry)

Bone x-rays may show fractures or hollowed out areas of bone. If your doctor suspects this type of cancer, a bone marrow biopsy will be performed.

Bone density testing may show bone loss.

Treatment of Multiple myeloma

People who have mild disease or in whom the diagnosis is not certain are usually closely monitored. Some people have a slow-developing form of multiple myeloma (smoldering myeloma) that takes years to cause symptoms.

Chemotherapy is usually used to treat multiple myeloma. It is most often given to prevent complications such as bone fractures and kidney damage.

Radiation therapy may be used to relieve bone pain or to shrink a tumor that is pushing on the spinal cord (cord compression).